Parents of disabled children who face the closure of a vital resource joined forces to show the human effect in a decision to cut costs.

Nascot Lawn Respite Centre, Langley Road, Watford, which looks after severely disabled children with high medical need is currently due to close on October 31.

The public gallery at the Hertfordshire County Council full meeting at County Hall, Pegs Lane, Hertford, was full of parents holding pictures of their children.

The centre is currently funded by Herts Valley Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), which will save £600,000 a year if the centre shuts.

One Herts Valley CCG employee was seen shaking their head when councillors highlighted the medical needs of those attending the centre, and refused to speak to parents after they had left the meeting.

Herts Valley CCG have been contacted for comment regarding the issue.

The meeting started with parents David Joseph and Nikki Lancaster telling the assembly of how they have relied on this resource for years.

David said that the notion of having alternative provisions in place by October 31 unrealistic as he went on to outline how crucial the facility is for those who use it.

Speaking of his son Dominic, 18, who has several hundred fits each month due to his intractable epilepsy as well as living with other serious medical conditions.

He said: “We know that the problem is becoming more urgent and we are looking to you for help.

“Each of us cares passionately for very poorly children, some with life limiting conditions.

“My son Dominic has more strength, more tenacity and more guts than anyone else I know, and when he smiles the room lights up.”

Nikki Lancaster held up a picture of her son Lennon, 10, whose need is so great that he cannot be left unattended at Great Ormond Street Hospital because his medical need is so great.

She said: “Sometimes it feels like it is impossible to carry on, but then we remember that we have a weekend at Nascot Lawn coming up where he will be safe and happy.”